Zeagle 911 vs Ranger Questions

[kid@heart]

I'm looking at buying a Ranger or a 911. I'm fairly green, but also completely hooked and see that I'm into diving for the longhaul -- would like to get into rescue and wreck diving this year and next.
These are obviously both great BCs. I'm leaning towards the 911 simply because I want to get into rescue diving and that's what the 911 is touted for.

Does anyone know:
-Can the ranger accept a backplate? I know the 911 can.
-Both seem to use a grommet system to switch from single to double tanks. No one has mentioned stability problems using double tanks with this system. Anyone have a problem with that?
-What is the "split saddle harness" in the 911?
-Why does anyone need a 65# lift bladder (911) and is that actually a hindrance in tropical diving?!? (I don't really care if it's overkill, I just don't want it to be a problem in warm water). I know I can switch to a smaller bladder, but why would going smaller be necessary? Drag? Packability?

Thanks for any help you can offer!!

 

[DiveMaven]

If you're looking at going into rescue and wreck, why not just go straight to a BP/wing setup?? (someone had to say it!)

 

[kid@heart]

Okay:
I've got to admit halcyon looks like my dream BC (I like the minimalist thing there) except for the initimidation factor of an interchangeable system that's new to me and what looks to be a big nasty bolt placed right between the area of the shoulder blades.... So comfort was a factor in my thinking, I admit. I'm being swayed as i read more threads about it though.
-How is the comfort with backplate and no padding?
-Do others prefer halcyon to OMS? Those two systems seem like the frontfunners of the bp/w system. Is that right?
-can you point me to a string that discusses which Halcyon BP system would be best for me?
-- which harness and plate can accomodate both a single and/or a double tank?
-Can Halcyon be rigged to carry gear and weights without belt?
I really should be working. But this is way more fun.
Thanks Again!

 

[ScottZeagle]

-Can the ranger accept a backplate? I know the 911 can.

Yes, both BCs ~can~ accept a backplate, but you can also dive doubles without adding a backplate.

-Both seem to use a grommet system to switch from single to double tanks. No one has mentioned stability problems using double tanks with this system. Anyone have a problem with that?

I don't understand what you mean by a "grommet system" - can you explain further, please.

-What is the "split saddle harness" in the 911?

Otherwise refered to as a "Crotch Strap"

-Why does anyone need a 65# lift bladder (911) and is that actually a hindrance in tropical diving?!? (I don't really care if it's overkill, I just don't want it to be a problem in warm water). I know I can switch to a smaller bladder, but why would going smaller be necessary? Drag? Packability?

A 65lb bladder is probably overkill in most tropical situations. A smaller bladder will pack up better and have less drag.

Any other questions, feel free to ask...

Scott

 

[darkstar]

I'm looking at buying a Ranger or a 911.

Does anyone know:
-Can the ranger accept a backplate? I know the 911 can.
-Both seem to use a grommet system to switch from single to double tanks. No one has mentioned stability problems using double tanks with this system. Anyone have a problem with that?
-What is the "split saddle harness" in the 911?
-Why does anyone need a 65# lift bladder (911) and is that actually a hindrance in tropical diving?!? (I don't really care if it's overkill, I just don't want it to be a problem in warm water). I know I can switch to a smaller bladder, but why would going smaller be necessary? Drag? Packability?

You should probably check with ScottZeagle. I'm sure he could answer all of your questions. (and I see he already beat me)

I have a Ranger and have a buddy who until recently dove a SAR (same as 911, except with a harness). The 911 is aimed at cops, firemen and paramedics who have to carry a lot of tools. The doubles attachment on the two BC's is the same.

- I have a 'split saddle harness' on my Tech. It's just a split crotch strap.
- the 65# lift is really to make the thing suitable for doubles, drysuit and stages. The Ranger has more lift than you will ever need in the tropics, even for doubles and packs smaller. The drag difference between the Ranger and the Tech is noticable in strong current.

I tried mounting doubles on the Tech (very similar bladder and harness to the 911). I used a plate and it was OK except that I never could get the trim just right. There is only a single set of gromets so almost no adjusting up or down and it was a pain to assemble. I eventually bought a BP/wing for doubles and kept the Zeagles for single tank diving.

 

[kid@heart]

thanks for the information, you guys. I think my finalists are the Zeagle tech and the Halcyon Eclipse. Now I just have to decide which type of system fits my needs better.
Had a good chuckle over the "split saddle harness" thing though!
Thanks again!

 

[Chad Carney]

The 911 is built on the Tech's harness, and adds the safety features, and both are made to carry a lot of weight. Using the twin cylinder mounting plates, I have worn my Ranger, LTD and the Tech with double 100s, stage tanks and even once wore the LTD with triples. I found them plenty stable, and I don't prefer a crotch strap.

That said, if you also want to do tropical diving, I'd just get another BC, like a Stiletto that is really suited to it.

In the long run you will prefer having two BCs as apposed to switching the bladders on one, and you won't save much for all the trouble. (However the Stiletto bladder can go on a Ranger or Tech, and it would be great!)

Chad
FL Zeagle Rep.